The Walking Dead “Cherokee Rose”
“Cherokee Rose” is the kind of episode that possesses the potential to draw an entirely new demographic into the viewing fold. That said, it’s also the kind of episode that could easily turn away followers, as it certainly supports the idea that the show is beginning to stray too far from the original Image comics source material, and the element of horror seems to be dwindling.
Rick’s son, Carl is continuing his recovery, while the hunt for Carol’s missing daughter Sophia ensues. As the episode launches, we’re offered a look at Hershel’s group gathering to form a makeshift burial ceremony for Otis. Shane’s psyche is further tested, as he’s put on the spot and asked to speak of Otis. He manages to uphold his innocent façade, and does afford Otis a bit of grace in death, though he manages this by continuing on his path of deceit. It’s a strange moment that should probably reverberate in viewers, but oddly enough the mark is missed, and I’m not certain if the failure is a result of Shane’s lack of credibility, or if the drama is just beginning to wear a tad thin.
Daryl continues his effort to track Sophia, and while the obstacle has yet to be cleared Mr. Dixon does manage to uncover a few clues that certainly signal hope of the youngster’s survival. This specific piece of side-plotting provides the motive for branding the episode “Cherokee Rose”, as Daryl finds a rare flower with a beautifully optimistic mythos surrounding it. In a kind gesture that once again outlines the greatness of Daryl’s character, the flower is offered to Carol, as are a few inspiring words from the rugged hero; it all makes for a great scene that Norman Reedus and Melissa Suzanne McBride shoot with perfection.
After an outlandish request that Rick’s men remain unarmed from Hershel, a walker is discovered in a well, which Dale and T-Dog are both on the cusp of drinking from. In an attempt to salvage the water, the crew opt to try and extract the zombie without any bloodshed. The unheralded risk taker, Glenn is elected to venture into the well and fix a rope around the walker so that he may be pulled from the well. Of course things don’t go exactly as planned, and this brilliant (yes, that was sarcasm) plan backfires; Glenn is nearly dropped in the well with the walker, and once they do manage to get the bastard ensnared and pulled from the well, the rotting flesh gives way, and the creature comes apart at the waist, spilling loads of remains right back into the well. The scene is arguably the saving grace of the episode, as Greg Nicotero’s awe inspiring FX work is once again showcased in bold, unforgiving fashion.
After the well debacle, Glenn and Maggie head to town for more supplies. But before they can slip away, Lori approaches Glenn with a request: she’s trying to get her hands on a pregnancy test, and given Glenn’s errand boy status and reliability, he’s assigned the task.
Once in town, Glenn and Maggie hit the severely raided pharmacy to gather what they can, pregnancy test included. In what comes as a rewarding sequence, Glenn, who’s risked his neck for just about everyone on the show at this point, finds himself being seduced by Maggie. The two engage in some off-screen action, and while we viewers are obviously not afforded a real thorough examination of the sexual encounter, it’s still pretty damn easy to cheer for Glenn. This kid’s been through the grinder, it’s about time he received a little love.
The season’s fourth episode ends with some good father-son time between Rick and Carl. There’s some emotion on display here, and Chandler Riggs, who portrays Carl, finally gets a legitimate chance to shine, albeit briefly. A touching discussion between the two gives way to our closing shot; a look at Lori discovering that her instincts are still trustworthy: she’s pregnant.
Save for the early well sequence, “Cherokee Rose” is 100% drama. The focus is tension, and it’s delivered not via blood soaked structures, but loads of dialogue. I can understand the displeasure and critical bashing with which the episode was met; The Walking Dead is beginning to feel more like a Hallmark offering than the gruesome AMC sensation that took viewers by storm last year.
Continue to Episode 5 of the Walking Dead